Suicide Bombing in Pakistan Mosque Kills Over 25

Text of report by Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency

Peshawar, 21 December: Former Interior Minister and Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party [Sherpao group] Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao survived second attempt on his life when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Markazi Jamia Masjid Sherpao in District Charsadda, killing over 25 faithfuls and scores of other injured.

According to police sources, the suicide bomber who was in the mid row of the Eid congregation detonated him self up during the prayer, killing 25 worshippers on the spot and brutally injuring others. The mosque littered with pieces of the bodies all around. Aftab Ahmed Sherpao and his son Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao luckily escaped unhurt which was second attempt on their lives after 28 April last. The death toll will mount as the Mosque was jam-packed to the capacity and death figure may cross 30.

The injured were rushed to Charsadda hospital and the critically wounded have been shifted to hospitals in Peshawar.

Originally published by Associated Press of Pakistan news agency, Islamabad, in English 0553 21 Dec 07.

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